Everything about Brandy

Faith has always been my constant since childhood.

I grew up in a single parent home with my mom and brothers. Between my mom, grandmother and dad, they made sure we went to church. It wasn’t every Sunday, but we went quite often.

I remember lying in my grandmother’s bed, captivated as we read the book of Genesis together: “In the beginning, God created heavens and earths” – Genesis 1:1. My dad would also read snippets as a deacon.

Despite my dad giving me chewing gum to stay awake during the sermons, the most special moments were going to choir rehearsal with him. Hearing the words of the lyrics drew so much passion to my heart. One hymn that grabbed my heart, and still does, was “Near the cross.”

I was always enthused by preaching and the bible itself. I always had a level of respect for God. I never questioned if He was real because I always knew in my heart he was. Wherever I’ve been in life, God has always been with me.

Even when I grew up in a rough part of our city where there was crime and drugs. I had to walk around with a razor blade for protection.

Having moved from a middle class neighborhood to an impoverished neighborhood, it was a culture shock. I started smoking marijuana and drinking at 12. I became sexually active at the age of 13. But God saved my life by introducing me to a lady who had a passion for youth.

She approached us at a friend’s house with packets to fill out. The form invited us to a Christian camp called Windy Gap in Weaverville, NC. The camp was full of youth from ages 12-17, all from rough neighborhoods. Every day, we would have nightly meetings, but there was one night in particular that changed my life.

As the mentors gave their testimonies, one of them was a young lady who shared how she had a daughter at 15. She also shared how God still loved her and how she freed herself from the things that she was doing.

That was the day I discovered God’s love. We laid everything at the altar and received Christ in our hearts. I knew that her testimony would save me, especially since I would soon be pregnant with my oldest daughter. I had her at 15.

In order to realize how much God loved me, I had to get past the attribute of God that condemns and judges. Once I realized Romans 8:1 was true, it made me want to seek God for myself.

After many dreams, prophetic words and ministering from other spiritual mentors, I decided to accept my call to preach the gospel. My decision started with wanting to live a life pleasing to God, so that my children would live a better life than I did. But the more I stayed on this journey of faith, the greater my faith and love for God grew.

God didn’t just love me. I also love him. He has been a keeper when I didn’t want to be kept. He has been a comforter when I had meltdowns. Every decision I make is based on what God has designed me to do.

I stepped out on faith when I left my job to enter the beauty industry. This decision not only shifted my career but also my income. I stepped out on faith when I became an ordained minister. I trust Him with my whole heart, mind and soul.